November 29, 2008

I've converted the BOKOR to a 650B Mtb Fixie. I gave it a ride this evening as the sun dropped. Definitely a different ride style. I had a few fixies years ago. One was a Surly Steamroller that I toyed with as an off-road fixed. I built this wheeled using the SUN cr18 650B. As some have posted the tire fit pretty tight, but went on similar to a tight fit with some wire bead tires. I've dealt with worse, that for sure. 39x15 gearing. I kept it to the local gravel levy, paved roads to get there and grassy, rocky levy climbs.

November 17, 2008

Yes, I PURCHASED these tires to report on them. I bug companies about providing 650B product and once they offer it, I'll do my best to buy it.2 reasons:

To back-up my interest.

Provide an informative narrative for the product.

Buying anything could be a risk. A [I]MAJORITY[/I] of MTBR users are men, and with most guys buying techy type stuff as in 650B wheels and components who do their research. I started 650B Palace to report to consumers the movings of 650B. When the Pacenti tires hit I initially bought 2 pair. When the Quasi's came in I was lucky enough to get a proto set for testing and review. I've also purchase more, since. No, I do not buy at retail, but I show my support by buying and testing and reporting. I don't get paid for my post, nor do I sell add space on my blog. I do it for the consumers and to show the industry the potential demand for this product. I pass along results I find because I love this sport and the progession of movers and shakers. Folks willing to push the envelope. Tires are a tough thing to manufacture. There is a lot of tooling involved, and (with everything), prices must be pass along to the end user. The 29er movement was happy to have 1 tire in the beginning. With 650B MTB tires we are sitting with 3 tires CURRENTLY available to the market, only 20 months since Kirk Pacenti debuted this idea at NAHBS 2007. That is some swift moving on the behalf of tire designers and makers. 3 Currenty with 3 more very close to release. 6 total potentially 24 months after the idea hit the (small) mainstream. 3 continents are reporting on this format and, in my opinion, that is HUGE news.Price is one things but to ask for something, then say I'm not gonna buy because it costs too much is pretty weak. Especialliy when compared wit the 26" or 29" version. Be an educated consumer, and attempt to realize where the money must go for us to have these products.

November 15, 2008

More 650b Tires have landed! Schwalbe's Racing Ralph is now offered in a 650Bx 2.25.Claimed weight it 555g, with a folding bead. These tire mounted up great! I will not be able to give a test ride until (possibly) Sunday. Other News:My own Quijano Bike Co custom 650B frame is all finished, painted and built. True Temper OX steed! The RRs are fitted to it currently and this will be my new 650B component tester. Unless, I get another frame....hmm. Perhaps.

I designed and built this frame, so I'm super stoked to get to the trails! The new tires showed up today and I wasn't even expecting them. Too bad I'm photographing a wedding tomorrow, otherwise I'd be attending the local Fat Tire Fest in the Alifia River State Park. Alas, the bike will be on display, but not test riding will be done. Liability reasons.I will post more soon!

November 13, 2008

Well, everyone knows they are coming, but I haven't seen anyone else with them yet. I have a new set of 650B tires on the way. I'll post image when they arrive! Which ones? You'll just have to wait until next week!

November 04, 2008

This bike is another YipSan, a 650B Cross bike. Or is it a Drop-bar mountain bike? Given the compent choice and fork choice I'd go with 650B-CX. Lovely colors with matching bar wrap, and the brown leather Brooks brings it home! Pacenti Quasi Motos in effect!

Renold Yip makes some stellar bikes. He just "get's it" I am quickly becoming a huge fan of his work. He's a super nice guy, to boot. Looks like he's built another SS 650B Mtb, with what looks like a custom painted Rock Shox Psylo. Follow the photo's link to more of Renold's YipSan bicycle images.